Clamps for securing solar energy panels

ABSTRACT

Clamp assemblies for mounting solar panels and accessories. Clamp assemblies can have geometric features, shaped apertures for fasteners, and measured protrusions for allowing clamp rotation, lateral adjustment, self-alignment, and angled surfaces for facilitating installation of a solar panel.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional application No.62/066,240, filed on Oct. 20, 2014, which is entitled “SELF-ALIGNINGCLAMPS FOR SECURING SOLAR ENERGY PANELS,” to U.S. Provisionalapplication No. 62/066,243, filed on Oct. 20, 2014, which is entitled“METHOD OF INSTALLING A ROOF FLASHING,” and to U.S. Non-provisionalapplication Ser. No. 14/887,231, filed Oct. 19, 2015, which is entitled“CLAMPS FOR SECURING SOLAR ENERGY PANELS,” each of which are expresslyincorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology pertains to solar panel mounts, and morespecifically pertains to self-aligning clamps for securing solar energypanels.

BACKGROUND

As solar energy becomes more economical to produce electricity fordirect consumption, more solar energy systems are being installed onrooftops. Typically, components of the solar energy systems such assolar panels are installed using conventional mounting structures.However, conventional mounting structures typically require precisedimensions and can result in excessive material and extensiveinstallation time.

SUMMARY

Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forthin the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or can be learned by practice of the herein disclosedprinciples. The features and advantages of the disclosure can berealized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinationsparticularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and otherfeatures of the disclosure will become more fully apparent from thefollowing description and appended claims, or can be learned by thepractice of the principles set forth herein.

Some embodiments of the present technology involve a clamp assembly formounting solar panels and accessories. The clamp assemblies can includea top clamp with a substantially planar plate, raised flanges thatextend away from the plate in opposite directions than the first raisedflange; a geometric protrusion extending downward from the plate, and anaperture disposed through the plate and the geometric protrusion. Thegeometric protrusion of the top plate mates with a geometric cavity in abottom clamp so that the top and bottom clamps self-align, therebyfacilitating installation of a solar panel.

The bottom clamp can involve a base member having the geometric cavitydisposed therein, flanges extending away from a lower surface of thebase member in opposite directions and a bottom clamp aperture extendingthrough the base member. The base member can also involve a geometriccavity in its top surface.

The top clamp and the bottom clamp are configured to freely rotate abouta fastener inserted through the top clamp aperture and the bottom clampaperture. However, when compressed enough, the geometric protrusion ofthe top plate mates with a geometric cavity in a bottom clamp so thatthe top and bottom clamps self-align. Also, in some embodiments, the topclamp aperture and the bottom clamp aperture are configured as a slotfor allowing the top clamp and bottom clamp to adjust laterally withoutmoving the fastener when the fastener is fixed to a particular location.The free rotation, the self-alignment, and the ability to laterallyadjust the clamps are some of the features that facilitate installationof a solar panel.

The clamp assembly can include protrusions in the bottom clamp that actas a fulcrum for reducing toque on a fastener and for definingadditional clamping surfaces for solar panel accessories, etc.

In some embodiments of the present technology, top and bottom flangesare substantially symmetrical on either side of the assembly, therebyenabling universal clamps. In some embodiments, the one base flange isangled upward toward the top clamp such that a solar panel can beinserted between the top clamp and the bottom clamp at an angle, therebyfacilitating installation.

The clamp assembly can include various grooves for increasing thefriction on a solar panel clamped between the top clamp and the bottomclamp, spikes for piercing an anodization layer of a solar panel clampedbetween the top clamp and bottom clamp for electrically bonding andgrounding the clamp assembly and the solar panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and otheradvantages and features of the disclosure can be obtained, a moreparticular description of the principles briefly described above will berendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawingsdepict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are nottherefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the principlesherein are described and explained with additional specificity anddetail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a clamp assembly representing one exampleof the present technology;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are end views depicting the self-aligning action of theclamp assembly representing one example of the present technology;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are end views showing one and two solar energy panelsengaging with the clamp assembly representing one example of the presenttechnology;

FIG. 4 is an end view depicting an accessory being clamped in asecondary clamping location representing one example of the presenttechnology;

FIG. 5A and 5B is a perspective view showing a sheet metal type lowerclamping surface representing one example of the present technology;

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an asymmetrical clamp assemblyaccording to some embodiments of the present technology;

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate views of an asymmetrical clamp assemblyhaving solar panels installed therein according to some embodiments ofthe present technology;

FIG. 8A illustrates an example a bridge clamp assembly according to someembodiments of the present technology;

FIG. 8B illustrates a top view of a matrix of solar panels which aresupported and secured together using clamp assemblies and bridge clampassemblies according to some embodiments of the present technology; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of another clamp assembly according tosome embodiments of the present technology.

DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below.While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understoodthat this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled inthe relevant art will recognize that other components and configurationsmay be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

As explained above, conventional solar panel mounting structures requireprecise dimensions and can result in excessive material and extensiveinstallation time. Accordingly, the present technology involves mountingclamps and mounting bridges that facilitate solar panel mounting andinstallation.

Some embodiments of the present technology involve self-aligning clampassemblies configured to secure solar energy panels to a fixed body. Theclamp assemblies can consist of a bottom clamp, a top clamp, and afastener, such as a bolt and nut, to compress the top clamp and bottomclamp together.

The self-aligning clamp assemblies can be specifically designed tosupport solar energy panels, solar energy panel frames, etc. A bottomclamp can support one or more solar energy panels from downward forces,such as gravity, positive wind pressure, snow loading, or other forcesthat push the solar energy panel towards Earth. The top clamp, beingheld in place with a fastener to the bottom clamp, can prevent one ormore solar energy panels from upward forces, such as a difference in airpressure that would pull upwards on the solar energy panel. When thebottom clamp and top clamp are compressed together on one or more solarenergy panels, the clamps additionally prevent the solar energy panelsfrom moving laterally. The clamp assembly can be secured to a fixedconnection point on an installation surface using its own fastener, orwith a secondary fastener, as explained in greater detail below. In someembodiments of the present technology, the clamps each have two clampingsurfaces on opposite sides of a fastener, such that one or more solarenergy panels can engage on both sides of each clamp.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the clamp assembly 101 including of a topclamp 106, a bottom clamp 108, and a fastener 103. The fastener 103 mayconsist of a fastener bolt 104 and a fastener nut 105, and fastener bolt104 extends through apertures 113 a, 113 b in the top clamp 106 andbottom clamp 108, respectively. Apertures 113 a, 113 b may be circularin shape (i.e. a hole) or a slot shape, as shown in FIG. 1. Turning thefastener nut 105 relative to the fastener bolt 104 will cause thefastener nut 105 and fastener bolt 104 to compress together, therebycompressing together the top clamp 106 to the bottom clamp 108.

The top clamp 106 can have an offset flange 102 that protrudeshorizontally away from the body of the clamp. The lower surface ofoffset flange 102 can be substantially parallel with the top surface ofthe top clamp 106. Alternatively, the lower surface of offset flange 102can be at an angle with the main top surface of the top clamp 106 suchthat, when the top clamp 106 is compressed to the solar energy panel(not shown), the top clamp 106 deflects under stress and the clampingsurface is drawn down to be parallel with the top surface of the solarenergy panel.

The bottom clamp 108 can have of a main body with one or more horizontalflanges 110. As depicted in FIG. 1, bottom clamp 108 is symmetrical inshape and has a horizontal flange 110 on both sides of fastener 103 inorder to capture multiple solar energy panels. These horizontal flanges110 act as the lower clamping surface on a solar energy panel (notshown). The horizontal flanges 110 can also be the same size and shapeto make the bottom clamp 108 symmetrical in shape. This has the benefitof universality, whereby either horizontal flange 110 can be used firstin the installation process, making the clamps easier to use.

Horizontal flange 110 may have lips 111 a, 111 b on its outward edge inorder to help capture a solar energy panel and to prevent the solarenergy panel from readily sliding off of the horizontal flange 110 (i.e.the clamping surface). Also, the horizontal flanges 110 can have bottomclamp grips 112 a, 112 b may be a textured surface, grooved surface, orsimilar gripping feature to help hold a solar energy panel from movingwhen compressed by the top clamp 106 and bottom clamp 108.

Additionally, the horizontal flanges 110 can have a channel 115 a, 115 btraversing a lengthwise orientation with the module to fit a sheet metalpart (not shown). This sheet metal part can have sharp spikes protrudingupward and/or downward to cut a coating, such as anodization or paint,on the bottom clamp and/or the solar energy panel, thereby electricallybonding and grounding the two components together. The horizontal flangecan have vertically protruding spikes (not shown) to penetrate theanodization layer of a solar energy panel with the purpose of creatingan electrical grounding and bonding path. These spikes can be a separatecomponent press or screw fit into a hole in the horizontal flange, andcan be a molded or extruded as an integral feature of the horizontalflanges 110.

As explained above, the top clamp 106 and bottom clamp 108 can haveapertures 113 a, 113 b passing there through to allow a fastener 103 topass through. The aperture can be a hole, slot, aperture or similarcut-out. A slot can be beneficial as it allows the top clamp 106 andbottom clamp 108 to adjust laterally (along the z-axis) without movingthe fastener 103, which can be fixed to a particular location.

Also, the top clamp 106 and the bottom clamp 108 can each consist of asingle shape throughout their length (along the z-axis), allowing formanufacturing using an extrusion process which can be less expensivethan other forms of manufacturing and allowing for universality duringinstallation of a solar energy panel to the clamps 106, 108.

In some embodiments of the present technology, the top clamp 106 has acentrally positioned downward top clamp protrusion 107. This protrusioncan be substantially trapezoidal, triangular, or square in shape, andcan extend the entire length of the top clamp. The top clamp protrusion107 engages with a similarly positioned bottom clamp cavity 109 on thetop surface of the bottom clamp 108. As the top clamp 106 and bottomclamp 108 are drawn closer together, the top clamp protrusion 107resides within the bottom clamp cavity 109 to prevent the two clampsfrom rotating relative to one another around the fastener. This ensuresthe two clamp pieces are substantially aligned with one another toprovide even clamping surfaces on a solar energy panel. As shown in FIG.1, the top clamp protrusion 107 can nest into bottom clamp cavity 109 asthe top clamp 106 and bottom clamp 108 are drawn towards one another.

FIG. 2A depicts the top clamp 106 rotated some arbitrary amount relativeto bottom clamp 108 around fastener 103 such that the end edges of bothclamps are not parallel. As top clamp 106 approaches bottom clamp 108,an edge of top clamp protrusion 107 may contact an edge of bottom clampcavity 109 at location 201. In one example of the present invention asshown in FIG. 2A, the top clamp protrusion 107 and bottom clamp cavity109 are substantially trapezoidal in shape. In FIG. 2B, top clamp 106has approached closer to bottom clamp 108, and the trapezoidal shape oftop clamp protrusion 107 has slide along the surface of bottom clampcavity 109, thereby rotating top clamp 106 so that the end edge of topclamp 106 is now substantially parallel with the end edge of bottomclamp 108, thereby reducing the need for positioning the clamps as theyare compressed together during the installation on a solar energy panel.

FIG. 3A depicts an end view of clamp assembly 101 with solar energypanel frame section 301 clamped in one side between top clamp 106 andbottom clamp 108.

In some embodiments of the present technology, the bottom clamp 108 canhave two vertical protrusions 302, 303 on its topmost surfacesymmetrically located to either side of the cavity. When a solar energypanel frame section 301 is clamped between the sides of a top clamp 106and bottom clamp 108, and the top clamp 106 is compressed towards thebottom clamp 108 using the fastener 103, the vertical protrusionfurthest from the solar energy panel (302 in FIG. 3A) can be designedprevent the top clamp 106 from being tightened so much that the topclamp would exert too much torque on the fastener 103 when another solarenergy panel is not installed on the opposite side.

The vertical protrusions 302, 303 can be dimensioned above the topsurface of the horizontal flanges 110 such that the angle ofarticulation of the top clamp 106 around the fulcrum is great enough tomaintain a clearance space 316 between the top clamp 106 and bottomclamp 108, yet small enough so not to impose permanent damage to thefastener 103 from bending. Also, the top clamp 106 will not be perfectlyparallel with the bottom clamp 108 when the top clamp 106 is compressedto the solar panel frame section 301 using the fastener 103, however theangle created will not be so great as to substantially damage thefastener 103.

The overall height of bottom clamp 108 and vertical protrusions 302 and303 may depend on the height of frame section 301, meaning a framesection of a different height may require a bottom clamp and verticalprotrusion of a also a different height. Vertical protrusions 302 and303 may be the same height and position on bottom clamp 108 in order tomaintain universal functionality should a solar energy panel beinstalled on the opposite side compared to the orientation in FIG. 3A.The clamping surface on offset flange 102 may be at an acute anglerelative to the vertical plane of the clamp assembly 101. This featureallows for the clamping surface to be relatively parallel with the topof the frame section 301 when the top clamp 106 articulates around framesection 301 as it is compressed down.

FIG. 3B depicts the assembly in FIG. 3A with the addition of a secondframe section 305. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3B, thedimensions of the components are configured such that when solar panelframe sections 301, 305 are located on both sides of clamp assembly 101,and the top clamp 106 is compressed towards the bottom clamp 108 usingthe fastener 103, the vertical protrusions 302, 303 do not interferewith the top clamp 106 and a clearance space 317 can be maintainedbetween the top clamp 106 and bottom clamp 108 such that pressure fromtightening the fastener is transferred to the solar energy panels 301,305 and not to the vertical protrusions 302, 303. Also, in theseconfigurations, the top clamp 106 and bottom clamp 108 can besubstantially parallel to one another when compressed together using thefastener 103.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the clamping surfaces of the topclamp 106 can have substantially triangularly shaped sets of grooves 304a, 304 b or a textured surface that help induce additional friction onthe solar energy panel to prevent it from moving when compressed by thetop and bottom clamp.

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of a clamp assembly 101 with gaps 401 a, 401b of a particular height and depth between the lower surface of the topclamp 106 and the upper surface of the bottom clamp 108. The gaps 401 a,401 b can be used as a second clamp for accessories, such as a formedpiece to sheet metal that angles downward to restrict air movement undera solar energy panel, an electrical connections box, electrical conduit,or similar accessories. The accessories can have a horizontal tab thatcan be placed in the gaps 401 a, 401 b to secure the accessory to theclamp assembly. When the tab of an accessory is placed in the gaps 401a, 401 b and the fastener 103 tightened to compress the top clamp 106towards the bottom clamp 108, the top clamp 106 may press down on theaccessory's tab and not on the vertical protrusion furthest from thesolar energy panel. The accessory tab causes the top clamp 106 to behavesimilar to as if two or more solar energy panels are on both sides ofthe clamp assembly 101. The surfaces of the top clamp 106 and bottomclamp 108 creating the gap can be textured and can have grooves cut inplace to increase friction on an accessory's tab. The verticalprotrusion of the bottom clamp 108 may act as a wall to prevent theaccessory's tab from sliding too far in between the top and bottomclamps.

In some embodiments of the present technology, a shaped plate is clampedin the gaps 401 a, 401 b between the top clamp 106 and bottom clamp 108,and extends downward towards an installation surface over which thesolar energy panels reside. One purpose of the plate is to deflectairflow over one or more solar energy panels, reducing pressures on theunderside of the solar energy panels. Another purpose is to deflectflame over one or more solar energy panels and prevent a fire fromspreading to under one or more solar energy panels. The plate can haveone or more bends in it to conform to the top clamp 106 and bottom clamp108, and bend to rest on the outer edge of the bottom clamp's 108horizontal flange 110.

In FIG. 4, a clamp assembly 101 has a solar energy panel frame section301 engaged on one side, and wind deflector 402 engage on an opposingside. In this example embodiment, the gap 401 a is created between thetop clamp 106 and bottom clamp 108 when the two pieces are compressedonto the frame section 305 and the top and bottom clamp remainsubstantially parallel with one another. The gap 401 a may have atextured or grooved surface 404 to aid in gripping any component thatmay be clamped, such as wind deflector 402. Wind deflector 402 has athickness such that the compressive forces from the top and bottom clampwill be placed on the wind deflector 402, and not on verticalprotrusions 302 and 303. Vertical protrusion 302 also acts as a guide toprevent installing the wind deflector 402 too far into the gap 401 a.Other accessories, such as an electrical wiring box, wiring conduitclip, electronic inverter, or weather station, may have a tab that canbe clamped in the gap 401 a in a similar method to that of the winddeflector 402. In one example of the present invention, wind deflector402 has one or more bends to reduce the horizontal distance occupiedwhen achieving a desired height. In some embodiments of the winddeflector 402, these bends may sum to an angle less than 90 degrees,thereby allowing multiple wind deflectors to snuggly nest upon oneanother for packaging and shipping. The wind deflector 402 may bendaround the outer edge of horizontal flange 110 at point 403. In thisexample, the wind deflector is supported at both gap 401 and point 403.

Those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure will appreciate that a wide variety of materials can besuited to carry out the present technology. In some embodiments of thepresent technology, the bottom clamp is formed of a sheet metal, acomposite material, etc. FIG. 5A illustrates a self-aligning clampaccording to some embodiments of the present technology. FIG. 5Aillustrates a clamp assembly 500 with a sheet metal bottom clamp 501having an upper plate 502 resting on lower plate 503 and assembledtogether to a top clamp 508 with a fastener through an aperture 504.

When the bottom clamp 501 has a substantially rigid structure, meaningthe horizontal flanges deflect significantly less in proportion to thedeflection of a solar energy panel when under downward force, pointstresses can build up on the solar energy panel at the edge of thebottom clamp. To prevent this stress build-up, the horizontal flanges ofthe bottom clamp 501 are used to bend downward a particular amount asthe solar energy panel deflects, with the purpose being to reduce pointstresses on the solar energy panel at the edge of the bottom clamp. Adesign pointing stresses between the horizontal flanges and the solarenergy panel tapers the horizontal flanges as they extend along thelength of the solar energy panel. This tapered feature reduces pointstress induced on the solar energy panel or the solar energy panel frameby the bottom clamp as a downward force is applied to the solar energypanel.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the upper plate 502 and lower plate 503 can flexindependently of one another when exposed to downward force and can havetapered ends 505 to reduce in cross sectional area as they extend awayfrom the center of the sheet metal bottom clamp 501, yielding anon-linear deflection at the points of the tapered ends 505 as comparedto the main body of the sheet metal bottom clamp 501. This taperedfeature reduces the point stress imposed on a solar energy panel whenexposed to a downward force. Upper plate flange 506 protrudes a verticaldistance below the top clamp to have a similar functionality as thevertical protrusions 302 and 303 described in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Lowerplate flange 507 extends vertically and exteriorly to upper plate 502,and may be dimensioned to secure upper plate 502 to lower plate 503 viaa press fit. Lower plate flange 507 has a width such that it will act asa guide similar to vertical protrusions 302 and 303 described in FIG. 4.Lower plate flange 507 may extend a height to coincide with the edge ofthe top clamp at point 508. The lower plate flange 507 may thereforeprevent the top clamp from rotating relative to the sheet metal bottomclamp 501. FIG. 5B depicts gap 509 created between upper plate flange506 and the top clamp. Gap 509 has the similar functionality as gap 401described in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of another clamp assembly 600 accordingto some embodiments of the present technology. The clamp assembly 600includes a top clamp 606 and a bottom clamp 608 secured together with afastener 603 through apertures (not shown) in the top clamp 606 andbottom clamp 608 and a nut 699.

The top clamp 606 can have an offset flange 602 that protrudeshorizontally away from the body of the clamp. Also, the bottom clamp 608can have flanges 610, 611 on both sides of fastener 603 in order tocapture multiple solar energy panels. According to FIG. 6, the flanges610, 611 are asymmetrical and can serve independent purposes. The flange611 can include a surface for supporting downward forces from a solarpanel. Also the flange 611 can have one or more vertically protrudingspike 612 to penetrate the anodization layer of a solar panel and createan electrical grounding and bonding path.

The flange 610 can have an upward tilted configuration for allowing asolar panel to be slid between the top clamp 606 and bottom clamp 608 atan angle (as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B below). In some embodiments, theflange 610 can be displaced (in the −y direction) when a solar panel isinstalled between the top clamp 606 and bottom clamp 608.

The bottom clamp 608 can also have a vertical protrusion 613 to preventthe top clamp 606 from being tightened, when a solar energy panel isinstalled on the opposite side, so much that the top clamp 606 wouldexert excessive torque on the fastener 603, as explained in greaterdetail above in discussing FIGS. 3A and 3B. Also, the verticalprotrusion 613 can be dimensioned so as to create a gap 604 between thetop clamp 606 and the bottom clamp 608 when they joined using thefastener 603. The gap 604 can act as a secondary clamp (e.g. foraccessories) as shown above in FIG. 4. The top clamp 606 and the bottomclamp 608 can each have a set of grooves 607, 609 facing each other inthe gap 604 that help induce additional friction on the accessories.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate views of a clamp assembly 700 with solarpanels 750, 751 installed therein according to some embodiments of thepresent technology. As shown in FIG. 7A, a solar panel 750 is clampedbetween top clamp 706 and the flange 711 of the bottom clamp 708. Thevertical protrusion 713 on its top surface of the bottom clamp 708prevents the top clamp 706 from causing the fastener 703 to bend when anut 799 is tightened down to secure the solar panel 750 in place. Inother words, the vertical protrusion 713 maintains the top clamp 706 ina substantially parallel position relative to the bottom clamp 706 asthe nut 799 is tightened down and only a solar panel 750 is in one sideof the clamp assembly.

Also, the flange 710 is configured at an angle or radius to allow solarpanel 751 to be slide into the clamp assembly 700 when the solar panel750 is already clamped therein. The angled flange feature allows aninstaller to serially install adjacent solar panels without having toloosen a previously tightened fastener and without having to bend overto uncomfortable and/or dangerous angles.

As shown in FIG. 7B, after the solar panel 751 is placed between theangled flange 710 and the top clamp and is articulated to aninstallation level, e.g. planar to the installation surface, level withthe solar panel 750, etc. In some embodiments of the present technology,the solar panel 751 displaces the flange 710. Additionally, when thesolar panel 751 is clamped into the clamp assembly 700, the solar panel751 applies upward force on the top clamp, thereby removing pressure onthe protrusion 713 and more evenly distributing pressure onto the nut799.

The clamps described in the present disclosure can be used to supportsolar energy panels on an installation surface. Additionally, the clampassemblies can also be used to bridge adjacent solar energy panels. FIG.8A illustrates an example of a bridge clamp assembly 800 according tosome embodiments of the present technology. The bridge clamp assembly800 includes a top bridge 806 and a bottom bridge 808 secured togetherwith multiple fasteners 803 a, 803 b through apertures 813 a, 813 b andnuts 899 a, 899 b. The bottom clamp 808 of the bridge clamp assembly 800has asymmetrical flanges 810, 811 similar to the flanges 610, 611 and710, 711 described above. In some embodiments, top bridge 806 and bottombridge 808 have identical or substantially similar cross-sectionalgeometries as top clamp 710 and bottom clamp 711. This allows forreduced manufacturing costs as the same profile shape can be used formultiple parts.

The bridge clamp assembly 800 may also include multiple spikes 812 a,812 b to penetrate the anodization layer of a solar energy panel framewith the purpose of creating an electrical grounding and bonding pathbetween adjacent solar panels.

FIG. 8B illustrates a top view of a matrix 850 of solar panels 852, 854,856, 858 which are supported and secured together using clamp assemblies860, 862, 864, 866, 868, 870 and which are further secured togetherusing bridge clamp assemblies 872, 874, 876. The clamp assemblies 860,862, 864, 866, 868, 870 can include sharp spikes protruding upwardand/or downward to cut a coating, such as anodization or paint, on thebottom clamp, top clamp and/or the solar energy panel, therebyelectrically bonding and grounding the components and the panels andcreating a grounding/bonding path between vertically coupled (indicatedby the arrows in the y-direction) solar panels and clamp assemblies.Similarly, the bridge clamp assemblies 872, 874, 876 can have multiplespikes that penetrate the anodization layer of a solar energy panels,thereby electrically bonding and grounding the components and the panelsand creating a grounding/bonding path between horizontally coupled(indicated by the arrows in the x-direction) solar panels and clampassemblies.

In some embodiments of the present technology, the top clamp and bottomclamp can be manufactured using an aluminum extrusion process having agood weight to strength ratio, while being less expensive than otherprocesses. Additionally it allows for complex designs in one plane ofeach part. The top or bottom clamp can be manufactured using one or morestamped and formed pieces of sheet metal, (e.g. of aluminum or stainlesssteel). A stamped and formed process has the advantages of being costeffective while allowing different shapes and protrusions in threedimensions without a secondary machining operation. The top and bottomclamp can also be made of a composite material, a composite materialmolded over a reinforcing metal structure, etc. The composite materialselection has the benefits of being electrically non-conductive, therebyreducing or eliminating the need to electrically ground and bond the topand bottom clamps to a solar energy panel or other metallic components.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of another clamp assembly 900 accordingto some embodiments of the present technology. The clamp assembly 900includes a top clamp 906 and a bottom clamp 908 that can be securedtogether with a fastener 903 through apertures (not shown) in the topclamp 906 and bottom clamp 908 and with a nut 999.

According to FIG. 9, the bottom clamp 908 has flanges 910, 911 on bothsides of fastener 903 in order to capture multiple solar energy panels.The flange 911 can include a surface for supporting downward forces froma solar panel and a u-shaped groove 912 that can be configured to holdwires and that can be enclosed when a solar panel module 920 is clampedbetween the top clamp 906 and bottom clamp 908. The flange 910 can alsohave a dipped groove 909 that acts as a recess to allow a solar panel tobe installed between top clamp 906 and bottom 908 after fastener 903 hasbeen tightened on a solar panel 920 has been installed. This process ofinstallation is described in FIG. 7. Flange 910 may have a curvature toon the top surface to more evenly distribute stresses induced when asolar panel (not shown) is installed.

Although a variety of examples and other information was used to explainaspects within the scope of the appended claims, no limitation of theclaims should be implied based on particular features or arrangements insuch examples, as one of ordinary skill would be able to use theseexamples to derive a wide variety of implementations. Further andalthough some subject matter may have been described in languagespecific to examples of structural features and/or method steps, it isto be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claimsis not necessarily limited to these described features or acts. Forexample, such functionality can be distributed differently or performedin components other than those identified herein. Rather, the describedfeatures and steps are disclosed as examples of components of systemsand methods within the scope of the appended claims.

1. A solar panel clamp assembly comprising: a top clamp comprising: asubstantially planar plate; a first raised top flange with asubstantially flat lower surface, the first raised top flange on a firstterminal edge of a first surface that extends upwards from the plate; asecond raised top flange with a substantially flat lower surface, thesecond raised top flange on a second terminal edge of a second surfacethat extends upwards from the plate in a direction substantiallyparallel to the plate and in substantially the opposite direction thanthe first raised top flange; and a top clamp aperture disposed throughthe plate and a geometric protrusion; and a bottom clamp comprising: abase member having a top surface and a lower surface; a first baseflange extending away from the lower surface of the base member; asecond base flange extending away from the lower surface of the basemember in substantially the opposite direction than the first baseflange; and a bottom clamp aperture extending through the base member,wherein the top clamp and the bottom clamp are configured to clamptogether with a fastener that extends through the top clamp aperture andthe bottom clamp aperture.
 2. The solar panel clamp assembly of claim 1,wherein the first raised top flange is substantially symmetrical to thesecond raised top flange, and wherein the first base flange issubstantially symmetrical to the second base flange.
 3. The solar panelclamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the first base flange issubstantially parallel with the plane of the plate, wherein the secondbase flange is angled upward toward the top clamp such that an interfacebetween the second base flange and the plate is lower than an interfacebetween the first base flange and the plate.
 4. The solar panel clampassembly of claim 3, wherein the second base flange has a gentlecurvature to reduce point stresses on an installed solar energy panel.5. The solar panel clamp assembly of claim 3, wherein the second baseflange is displaced downward, thereby compressing a frame of a solarpanel when a solar panel is inserted between the top clamp and thebottom clamp.
 6. The solar panel clamp assembly of claim 3, wherein thetop surface of the bottom clamp further comprises an upward facingprotrusion on a side of the second base flange, wherein the upwardfacing protrusion is configured to engage a bottom surface of the platewhen a solar panel is clamped between the first raised top flange andthe first base flange, thereby acting as a fulcrum to allow for clampingthe top clamp and bottom clamp with only one solar panel installed whilepreventing the top clamp from being angled askew with respect to thebottom clamp.
 7. The solar panel clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein thetop clamp aperture and bottom clamp aperture comprise a slot forallowing the top clamp and bottom clamp to adjust laterally withoutmoving the fastener when the fastener is fixed to a particular location.8. The solar panel clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the first andsecond base flanges taper in cross-sectional area as they extend fromthe center, thereby reducing point stresses on a supported solar energypanel.
 9. The solar panel clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the firstbase flange has a groove for supporting electrical wiring.
 10. A solarpanel clamp assembly comprising: a top clamp comprising: a substantiallyplanar plate; a first top flange extending away from the plate; a secondtop flange extending away from the plate in substantially an oppositedirection than the first top flange; and a top clamp aperture disposedthrough the plate and a geometric protrusion of the plate; and a bottomclamp comprising: at least a top planar layer of sheet metal; at least abottom planar layer of sheet metal, the top planar layer and bottomplanar layer coupled together to form the bottom clamp, the bottomplanar layer configured such that at least two portions of the bottomplanar layer are bent in a direction orthogonal to the plate and towardthe top clamp, the at least two portions of the bottom layer forming atop clamp supporting surface; and a bottom clamp aperture extendingthrough the top and bottom planar layers, wherein the top clamp and thebottom clamp are configured to clamp together with a fastener thatextends through the top clamp aperture and the bottom clamp aperture.